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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Marah macrocarpus is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Echinocystis macrocarpa. Greene.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Parasiticide Purgative Skin

The root is purgative[61, 257]. The seed is made into a paste and used as a treatment on pimples and skin sores[257]. The oil from the seed is rubbed into the scalp to treat diseased scalps and hair roots[257]. The plant juices can be used as a parasiticide, rubbed onto areas of skin affected by ringworm[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye Paint Parasiticide Soap

A red dye is obtained from the seed[61]. It can be mixed with iron oxide and turpentine to make a paint[257]. The root is used to make a detergent lather[257].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a sunny position in a well-drained rich soil with abundant moisture[1, 175]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[175]. Plants are found in dry soils in the wild so this suggests that they will be better off in a dry soil in this country[K]. A perennial plant, it is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c, and is perhaps best grown as an annual. A climbing plant, supporting itself by means of tendrils[219].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in pots of rich soil in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 weeks at 20°c. Put 2 or 3 seeds in each pot and thin to the best plant. Grow on fast and plant out after the last expected frosts.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Marah fabaceus	Bigroot, California manroot	Perennial Climber	6.0	7-10		LMH	N	M	1	0	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Expert comment

Author

(Greene.)Greene.

Botanical References

71200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment


Brian Taraz	Mon Apr 11 18:16:19 2005

It is April 2005. Due to historic rain Marah Macrocarpus is all over San Diego. Most significant is the abundance of the green, spikey fruit. As to "edibility" I have found that the "meat" of the seed is quite edible but requires the sloughing off of the green seed coat. That taste begins sweet and finishes with a bitterness, mostly due to the oil. Seeds that are sun-dried still retain the meat but there is more oil when pressed and the resulting paste is like Marzipan in consistency.

Link: Dennis Albert home page At bottom of home page click on "Wild Cucumber"

Marah macrocarpus - (Greene.)Greene.